Just Friends (COMPLETED)

Difficult times

Ishika's POV: 

I kept staring at his face blankly, looking for a hint of smile that could appear anytime on his face. And I swear, I would strangle him to near-death when it appears. Is this a thing to joke about?

But it didn't. He kept the eye-contact intact with all seriousness, staring deep into my face.

"That wasn't funny." I said seriously, as a matter of fact. I get it that he wanted to comfort me, but this is certainly not a way to do that.

"It wasn't meant to be." He said.

"Stop it Rohan! This is not a topic to joke about."

He sighed and grabbed my hands in his, his eyes never leaving mine "I'm not joking Ishu. I.Love.You."

I yanked my hand in the air, freeing myself from his grip "What the hell Rohan! I don't believe you just said that. You're my friend dumbo! How could you even think of me like that?"

"Think? I never did that! And it wasn't my decision to fall in love with you. I just did! When, how, where; I don't know. I only know that I love you. Always have, always will. I was just afraid to tell you how I feel 'cause I didn't want to lose you. So I decided I'm just going to be quiet and keep you as a friend and maybe you will come to me."

I buried my face in my hands, finding it difficult to digest this new information. This was getting too over-whelming for me right now. Rohan? Loves me? As in 'couple-love' types loves me? How? I mean, just how? And importantly, why?!

"I don't believe this. How could you Rohan? How in the world could you? Right! All guys are the same. You just need a chance with any girl. Not even caring for her feelings. My mistake that I thought you were any different. You know very well that right now I'm heart-broken. And what better than this for a chance to lend your shoulder and take away the girl, right? And what do you think, now that I'm vulnerable, you can use this chance to get me to you? I didn't expect you at least to do this!" I yelled at him.

"Wait wait wait. Now I get it! It wasn't Sachin's stupid imagination that there's something going on between us. You bloody must've done something to create doubts in his mind and lead to our break-up! How amazingly smart Rohan! How bloody smart! You backstabbed me Rohan. You back-stabbed me."

His eyes widened as a painful expression crossed his face but right now, I was too messed up with what he said to handle that. Anger and frustration were starting to blur my vision now.

He softly said, in a tone that was barely audible "So this is what you think of me? Good to know. Thanks. For everything. Ishika." I didn't miss the pain in his voice, but there wasn't much about it that I could do right now.

Without saying another word, he got up and left my house in a flash. A throbbing pain shot in my heart as I watched him bang the main-door hard. I've never in my life seen him this angry and hurt as well. But then, even I was hurt.

A silent tear slid down my cheeks, leaving my throat burning. In frustration, in anger, and many sorts of mixed feelings.

But today, I didn't go behind him. I couldn't. I needed some time. Alone. With myself. I don't need anyone else now. Whoever I be close to, hurts me like hell!

I burried my face in my hands, looking up towards the ceiling.

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A week later. (College)

I was standing outside my class, alone, staring at the playground. Rohan was practising with his team for the inter-college cricket tournament starting next week.